***WITH VIDEO*** Police blocked Pontiac Trail, east of Halsted, in West Bloomfield due to a barricaded gunman. A man is suspected of the fatal shooting of a 12 year veteran police officer. Monday, September 10, 2012. The Oakland Press/TIM THOMPSON

A man suspected in the fatal shooting of a 12-year veteran police officer has barricaded himself inside an Oakland County home Monday morning as police surrounded and evacuated the area, authorities said.

Dozens of officers responded to the 4000 block of Forest Edge Lane in West Bloomfield, where the officer was reportedly shot in the neck by a man with a rifle. The officer and four fellow officers had responded to a report of shots being fired during a domestic violence situation.

"That's when we took action," he said. "The officers entered the home where they then went up the stairs to the second floor. After calling out the gunman's name the officers encountered shots being fired through the drywall of the bedroom."While on the scene reporter Carol Hopkins reported hearing multiple rounds of gunfire at the residence at approximately 8:31 and 8:48 a.m. An armored vehicle was also reported to be in the vicinity of the residence at approximately 12:45 p.m.

The officer, a married father of four, was shot and killed around 10 p.m. Sunday as he entered a home near Pontiac Trail in West Bloomfield Township. Police closed roads in the area of Pontiac Trail and Halsted and nearby homes were evacuated Monday morning as officers surrounded the property. Officials have identified the slain officer as 39-year-old Patrick O'Rourke, a resident of Fenton. West Bloomfield Police believe that Ricky Coley is the alleged gunman inside the West Bloomfield home.

The Oakland County Sheriff's Office said Monday morning that its SWAT team was on the scene, and officers from several neighboring departments were on the scene as well. They have used robotic devices to try to see into the hosue, and the man has reportedly fired at those devices. A total of 12 homes were evacuated from the area as a safety precaution.

O'Rourke, 39, was a 12-year veteran of the police force assigned to the patrol division. He earned a lifesaving award, three certificates of merit and three unit commendations during his career, according to a press release issued by West Bloomfield police.

Diamond described O'Rourke as the model officer.

"He was a model police officer, a model family man and he was a good friend to a lot of people here and he is going to be sorely missed."

Phil Metcalf, 31, a resident of Forest Edge Lawn, was shocked by the situation.

"This is just very bizarre," Metcalf said. "There are never any police shootings in West Bloomfield. It's mostly speeding tickets and break-ins."

Another resident of the area, Patricia McCabe, was also surprised about the shots being fired Monday.

"It's unusual for our area," said Patricia McCabe, who was walking three small dogs. "The homes in this area are pretty exclusive."

With so many people evacuated from the street, and police blocking traffic all around Forest Edge, she also pointed out, "It's also inconvenient for us."

Officials waited until the officer's family members were informed of his death before the information is made public. Diamond said the suspected gunman was involved in a "divorce situation" and two other people escaped from the home before the 911 call.

"There's been some speculation that it's a divorce situation," Diamond said. "He's recently either going through a divorce or it was finalized. There's some speculation that may have precipitated some of this event. There may be other factors too, but we know that it's probably one of them."

Court records show that Coley was due to appear in court today for two separate hearings regarding a divorce from his wife. The couple has a 7-year-old child.

Court records also show that Coley has a history of financial troubles. He owes $221 in back child support and was sued by two credit card companies for more than $87,000 in unpaid credit card bills.

Colleen Austin, a representative of the Eastern Michigan Chapter of The Salvation Army, commented on relief efforts the organization provided officers at the scene.

"We were surprised when we heard the gunfire," said Austin. "Our organization is being kept out of harms way while we provide assistance to law enforcement who are on the scene."

"Patrick O'Rourke was a fine officer," Shaughnessy stated. "All the officers on the scene know they are in a dangerous place. It goes to show that no one is safe."

Shaughnessy shared how the situation is being handled back at West Bloomfield Township offices.

"We're trying to go about our regular work but it's hard." the clerk said. "We're glued to the TV and Internet."

Families with children in the area were unable to use school bus services due to the nearby road closures and emergency circumstances.

West Bloomfield Supervisor Michele Economou Ureste stated that a vigil is being planned for O'Rourke for Tuesday evening. The vigil will take place from 7:45 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday in front of West Bloomfield Police Department, 4530 Walnut Lake Road in West Bloomfield. A fund to help the family of O'Rourke will also be established. Detail on the fund will be made available at the vigil.